The U.S. military has an important but limited role to play in fighting organized crime and improving citizen security in Honduras. But that assistance comes with important caveats.

First, the United States must carefully vet the units it works with to avoid providing assistance to units that are corrupt or abuse human rights. That vetting likely requires additional resources from Congress.

Perhaps the biggest role the U.S. military can play is in stressing the importance of human rights and civilian control.

Second, the eventual solution to the problems of violent crime in Central America must be strong civilian and democratic institutions including reformed police forces. It would be best if aid was increased overall, but if choices must be made, aid to improve civilian governance and economic development should take priority over military aid.

Third, perhaps the biggest role the U.S. military can play is not in training or equipment but in stressing the importance of human rights and civilian control to their Honduran military counterparts.

The 2009 coup was a step backwards for democracy and greatly harmed the fight against organized crime. Continued military assistance grants the United States influence that should be used as leverage to prevent that abuse of military power from occurring again.